Diatoms Algae

August 3, 2008 · Filed Under Saltwater Aquarium Algae 

Diatom

Diatoms are microscopic cells composed of overlapping half shells of silica, which spend their lives floating in the ocean or in the sediments near the bottom.

Their silica shells, called frustules, are microscopic size and makes them hard to see.

The Diatom’s iIn the ocean form a major part of the “plant-plankton” called phytoplankton, which provides important food for the “animal-plankton” called zooplankton.

These algae spread rapidly with high nitrate levels and generally are the first algae to establish themselves in your saltwater aquarium. They form a brown slime on the gravel, rocks, decoration and aquarium glass.

Diatom

As your saltwater aquarium matures, they should disappear. Scrape them away to keep a clear view of your saltwater aquarium fish when they become obvious.

Like all algae, the best way to deal with this type is by targeting its prevention. To produce their frustule and live out their lifecycle, they need abundant silicates or silicic acid.

Silica sand is a common source, so it is highly recommended that you use a limestone sand or gravel instead.

Turbo Snail

Some commercial salts for mixing marine water will also increase the levels of silicates – be sure to read the labels and before you add.

Also, try to keep invertebrates such as snails. They will roam the saltwater aquarium, walls, rocks and even the hard to reach spots and feed on algae.

For more information on commn types of Algae’s see below:

  1. Chlorophyta or Green Algae
  2. Rhodophyta or Red Algae
  3. Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
  4. Diatoms
  5. A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.

Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

Related Posts

  • Red Algae (Rhodophyta)
    • This group of red algae is called Rhodophyta, they consist of approx 6,000 species and most of them are marine
  • Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
    • Believe it or not there is over 7,000 species of Green Algae, and have been split into many groups and
  • Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
    • Blue-green algae are technically not algae at all in fact they are a bacteria. Due to fact they are aquatic
  • Brown Algae (Phaeophyta)
    • Brown Algae is form the Phaeophyta group and consists of around 3,000 species, which are mostly seaweeds. Their results from the

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    Comments

    One Response to “Diatoms Algae”

    1. M V Bhaskar on October 4th, 2008 4:33 pm

      Hi

      We are promoting a product called Nualgi, this causes blooms of Diatoms in any kind of water and can be used to feed the fish in aquariums.

      best regards

      Bhaskar

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